Just a quick update to commemorate a huge step for Maddi! I know with Facebook some of you have already heard that she was in Art class. It has been a hectic few days getting all of that ready and set up with the school. She went back to school part-time starting on Thursday of this week. She was so excited. Wednesday night was almost like Christmas Eve with a 6 year old.
She is taking two classes; Art and US History. We have been using the same US History book here at home for homeschooling so combined with the fabulous teacher, I feel pretty secure about it.
The idea of going back to school creates a lot of anxiety. Not only is attention, learning and stamina a difficulty but the social thing is a big worry. Maddi is doing great but there are definitely some differences in her personality.
It is hard enough for Maddi to figure out and adjust to Maddi 2.0 without the social expectations that everything will pick up where they left off and be the same. Of course Maddi doesn't feel that different but it is very apparent to those of us close to her.
The other element that I worry about is that our work load at home hasn't decreased we have just taken 3 hours out of our work time. Everything takes so much time to complete. The time required to include enough breaks to prevent cognitive fatigue really stretches out our day and I really try to have everything done before the other kids get home from school.
The logical thing to do is to ease up on what we are doing at home but the cognitive learning is what is happening at home. We are doing the school thing to see IF she can learn in that environment. The learning at home and school are different but both are important. Time will tell how well she does and what is the best way for her to learn.
FIRST DAY
Her first day was filled with smiles and excitement. We had forgotten to get a locker so she was a little bit late to Art and Maddi despises being late. Her personality is a little more intense so she was a little distressed about that. Of course there were lots of people happy to see her and her friends were so glad that her empty seat at the lunch table was finally filled again.
I am so grateful for Maddi's wonderful friends. Her best friends have been supportive,loyal and understanding! I think that speaks to their character and what amazing girls they are! During a time that kids only want to fit in and conform they are more concerned with being loyal and kind to each other. What a tribute to the families and parents these girls have. Thank you for raising such rare, remarkable, strong girls!
Of course, you always have the mean kids no matter what is going on. I just feel sorry for them. They must be the most miserable people around looking for ways to hurt others. Maddi handles them like a wise old sage, she just said, "that is typical old _________. That is totally not my problem!"
I am so glad she has that perspective and that wisdom wasn't lost in the maze. I was worried about her being able to process those types of situations. That put "this mom" more at ease.
Maddi said that it felt so good to feel normal. She didn't eat much of her lunch which is also one of my worries. Eating still hasn't gotten much easier. It takes a lot of time and focus for her. It will eventually work itself out, I am sure, but she doesn't have any extra to lose in the meantime.
We can tell that going to school taxes her. She comes home very fatigued and struggles cognitively and physically afterwards but I think that will improve with time as well. As long as we can keep moving forward then we are happy.
One step at a time!
I am so glad you're going to school and having lunch with friends. What an accomplishment!!!!!
ReplyDeleteBack at school with your friends. That is super. It also shows what good friends she has. Those friends who aren't still in her corner aren't really friends at all. I also feel sorry for those who are mean. I was treated mean as a child and totally iunderstand how demeaning that can be. It sounds like Maddi has a handle on such things way better than I did. Good luck Maddi. You are doing so awesome. I never doubted you would make a total recovery. We know God is on your corner. Auntie Carol
ReplyDeleteIt's SO good to have Maddi back at school! We have so much fun in art and science. The art teachers doesn't understand the situation as well, but even when she plays music it doesn't seem to bother Maddi even though I don't sit by her. We do sit together in Mrs. Davies class. Maddi sits near the projector and the fan makes some noise so she lets Maddi have time outs when she needs too. She said she's going to get some special paper so the notes I take will be available to Maddi too so it doesn't overwhelm her as much and she made sure the rest of the class understood the situation. Anyways, we are all so happy to have Maddi back at school for just a little while of the school day!
ReplyDeleteI can tell you when she come to our house to hang out with Ari you need not worry about Maddi eating! I think the last time she was here she Stengel pieces if pizza and a donut or two. She didn't finish the last piece and like Ari, doesn't eat the crust. She also had a couple slices of home made bread!!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that she is able to go to some classes. Eventually she'll be strong enough for longer sessions.
Pam